12.4.205    USE OF BLOCK MANAGEMENT AREAS

(1) If a hunter reserves permission on a BMA that restricts hunter numbers or requires reservations, that hunter cannot reserve permission on another BMA, for that same day, unless the hunter receives permission from the cooperator.  The cooperator maintains discretion to allow additional hunters on the BMA.

(2) The cooperator and the department reserve the right to deny access to a BMA for cause. Reasons for denying access may include intoxication, violation of BMA rules, or previous misconduct on a BMA. A willful violation of BMA rules may result in a misdemeanor citation under 87-6-415, MCA. BMAs may also be temporarily closed by the cooperator, in conjunction with the department, due to weather, livestock operations, fire danger, or other conditions or circumstances which would place public safety or resources in jeopardy.

(3) BMAs which impose daily hunter number limits will allow free and equal opportunities for access to all hunters requesting use of the BMA.

(4)  With department approval, a cooperator may impose reasonable limitations through temporary closure of a BMA to address concerns related to high fire danger, rest-days, weather-related impacts to a travel route, safety, or agricultural production activities, such as livestock handling or harvest and planting of crops, so long as:

(a)  the cooperator notifies the department regional headquarters at least 24 hours prior to the closure;

(b)  the cooperator or department personnel post signage indicating the closure; and

(c)  the closure is removed within 24 hours after the conditions causing the closure no longer exist.

History: 87-1-301, 87-1-303, MCA; IMP, 87-1-265, 87-1-301, 87-1-303, MCA; NEW, 1994 MAR p. 1691, Eff. 6/24/94; AMD, 1996 MAR p. 1139, Eff. 4/26/96; AMD, 2024 MAR p. 464, Eff. 3/9/24.